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450 Couples Take Part in an Interfaith Family Festival in Bangkok
Written by Rev. Kamol Thananopavarn, National Leader, UPF-Thailand
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Bangkok, Thailand - An Interfaith Peace Festival and marriage rededication took place at the auditorium of the Medical Association of Thailand on June 28, 2014. It was hosted by the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification-Thailand, UPF-Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration with support from the numerous district offices of Bangkok.
There were 450 couples from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. They had previously attended seminars on "Family Is a School of Love and Peace" in more than 30 districts of Bangkok held during the previous months in the midst of demonstrations and violence leading to the coup d'etat in May. The situation had become more stable by the time of the festival.
The festival was held in the beautiful auditorium of the Medical Association of Thailand. Rev. Kamol Thananopavarn, national leader of UPF-Thailand, served as MC of the program, which began with traditional Thai dances by the Suan Luang Senior Citizens and students from Kasem Bundit University. Then, Gen. Terdsak Maromme, chairman of UPF-Thailand, gave welcoming remarks, and Mr. Chumpol Chaokoh, chief Huaykwang district officer, gave opening remarks on behalf of the Bangkok governor.
Prayers for blessing and rededication of marriage were offered by Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh leaders. They expressed delight at the opportunity to help promote unity, harmony, security and happiness for families and communities at a time when the nation is hungry for reform and hope.
Dr. Lek and Mrs. Vipa Thaveetermsakul officiated at the marriage rededication ceremony, which included a recording of a blessing prayer offered by the late UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon in March 2012 in Korea. The participating couples renewed their vows in a joyful and loving atmosphere.
Then, Mr. Raweetheewat Srisuttisa-ard, vice president of the World Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles-Thailand, sang a congratulatory song "Love You Forever." Inspired by the music, some couples stood and danced together.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Ms. Sukritta Suecharoen, director of social welfare and support, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration; and Gen. Pol. Thaveesak Tuchinda, chairman of the Bangkok Election Commissioner and UPF-Thailand. Then Dr. Wanchat Supachaturas, chairman of the National Ideal Fathers Association, former chairman of the World Medical Association and chairman of the Medical Association of Thailand under the patronage of His Royal Highness, King Bhumiphol, gave congratulatory remarks with his wife at his side. "The medical association has never hosted such a grand event like this,” he said. “In this time of national crisis, we need activities to help reform the nation and help us become united, harmonious and secure."
The atmosphere overflowed with love, harmony and happiness between wives and husbands, bringing hope at a time of call for national reformation, reconciliation and unity.
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